Agricultural News

Jessica Kenville of Edmond FFA Named 2019 State Star in Agriscience for Oklahoma FFA

Wed, 01 May 2019 14:53:39 CDT

The Central Area Star Jessica Kenville of the Edmond FFA Chapter has been named as the Oklahoma Star in Agriscience at the 93rd annual convention of the Oklahoma FFA on Wednesday May first. She’s gotten into plant science projects, testing microbial affects on wheat root development as well as corn yield production. Jessica targeted the problem with urea based fertilizers, which over time can have damaging impacts on not only the soil but future crops to be planted there. Her goal was to find an alternative fertilizer which could be effective and environmentally friendly.

“I was using microbes and tested the root development affect versus the urea. I found that the urea group grew really thin, long roots which is because the roots don’t have to stretch as far to reach their nutrients. The microbial group grew much larger root systems which will in turn allow these crops to survive longer, especially in periods of drought, “ explained Kenville.

Jessica’s second project she used the microbial fertilizer again but tested yield production. These molds and fungi have been found to have many beneficial aspects, including increasing yield.

“I was able to double the yield of corn using microbial fertilizer,” she said proudly.

Agriscience Fairs are her main focus; she’s been a national and state winner. Aside from that, she’s done a variety of other things with the Edmond FFA such as floriculture.

When she graduates she’ll move on to the University of Missouri and study Environmental and Conservational Sciences.

You can watch the video of Jessica that was shown in the Fifth General Session of the Oklahoma FFA Convention by clicking on the PLAY button in the video box below.

You can hear her entire conversation with Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays, by clicking or tapping on the LISTEN BAR below.